Strengthening Supports and Services for Muslim Women and Girls Facing Gender-based Violence (GBV)

Toronto, ON, December 6, 2022 - The Canadian Council of Muslim Women is excited to launch a Policy, Program and Practices Review Guide for organizations to help them strengthen their supports and services for victims/survivors of gender-based violence who identify as Muslim.  The launch, scheduled to be held via Zoom today from 7-8:30pm EST, will introduce the guide, and highlight the experiences of some of CCMW’s partners who have applied the guide to their organizations.

The guide has been developed as part of CCMW’s Gender-Based Violence (GBV) project, which focuses on identifying and addressing the barriers to Supports and Services for Muslim women and girls facing GBV. The goal of the project is to develop a strategy for change and tools to address these barriers.

Part of the change strategy involves a review of policies, programs and service delivery practices of organizations that provide GBV-related services. The guide will assist organizations in conducting their reviews by using the frameworks of human rights law, anti-racism and anti-oppression, trauma and violence-informed approach and cultural safety. While the focus of this project is on Muslim women and girls in Canada, it will also address the disproportionate impact of violence on, and systemic barriers faced by trans, gender queer/gender non-binary, and two-spirit individuals who identify as Muslim.

“This guide is unique because the comprehensive frameworks and practical tips and strategies it provides for organizational reviews can be used by multiple sectors,” said Silmy Abdullah, author of the guide. “Our vision is that this resource will open up important conversations and allow for greater collaboration among organizations and institutions to undertake an approach that truly centres the experiences and voices of Muslim women, girls and gender-diverse people.”

While GBV exists in all societies and communities, there are various systemic factors that give rise to unique needs for and barriers to supports and services for marginalized communities. CCMW hopes that this guide will foster a better understanding of the complexities of GBV faced by Muslim women, girls, and gender diverse people and provide organizations with the tools needed to critically address the needs of their clients who identify as Muslim.

“Overall, our experience working with Silmy and CCMW through this guide has been incredibly impactful…,” said Sydney Marcoux, Clinical Director - Victim Services of Durham Region, partner in this initiative. “A huge take away from this project is being able to not only do this once for the purpose of completing the project, but to be able to continuously apply the guide as we continue to develop all new policies, procedures and programming and services our clients will then have access to.”

The guide was made possible through financial support from the Federal Department of Women and Gender Equality (WAGE).

If you would like to attend the launch event, register here. 

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For media inquiries, interviews and additional information: media@ccmw.com